EP2361446B1 - Method for use of hydrogen by means of fuel cells on a pipe network - Google Patents

Method for use of hydrogen by means of fuel cells on a pipe network Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2361446B1
EP2361446B1 EP09751934A EP09751934A EP2361446B1 EP 2361446 B1 EP2361446 B1 EP 2361446B1 EP 09751934 A EP09751934 A EP 09751934A EP 09751934 A EP09751934 A EP 09751934A EP 2361446 B1 EP2361446 B1 EP 2361446B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
hydrogen
natural gas
pipe network
end users
gas
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EP09751934A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2361446A1 (en
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Karl-Heinz Tetzlaff
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
    • H01M8/0662—Treatment of gaseous reactants or gaseous residues, e.g. cleaning
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2250/00—Fuel cells for particular applications; Specific features of fuel cell system
    • H01M2250/10—Fuel cells in stationary systems, e.g. emergency power source in plant
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2250/00—Fuel cells for particular applications; Specific features of fuel cell system
    • H01M2250/40—Combination of fuel cells with other energy production systems
    • H01M2250/405—Cogeneration of heat or hot water
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02B90/10—Applications of fuel cells in buildings
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/34—Hydrogen distribution
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and a device in each case for the use of hydrogen provided via a delimited pipe network by means of fuel cells provided at the end consumers.
  • Fuel cells with polymer electrolyte membranes are today operated in the natural gas network so that each fuel cell is preceded by a reformer. That's inefficient and expensive.
  • the known units of reformer and fuel cell can not follow the highly dynamic demand requirements of the end user, so that the end user is additionally dependent on the general power grid for energy supply.
  • a typical unit of reformer and fuel cell is in the DE 199 51 215 A1 described.
  • a hydrogen-containing synthesis gas For the operation of fuel cells with natural gas, a hydrogen-containing synthesis gas must first be generated in the reformer. Since this syngas still has a variety of ingredients that poison the catalysts in the reformer and the fuel cell (interfering components), the synthesis gas must be purified before the power generation in the fuel cell to fuel cell quality. The hydrogen-containing synthesis gas from the reformer must therefore be cleaned by fuel cell quality gas cleaners so as not to damage the fuel cell. In addition to carbon monoxide (CO) and oxygen (O 2 ) in particular sulfur-containing compounds must be separated from the synthesis gas. This problem is in the EP 1 926 169 A1 described. For the home energy supply with a few kilowatts of power, the high demands of the fuel cells on the purity of the hydrogen-containing gas lead to high investments.
  • CO carbon monoxide
  • O 2 oxygen
  • the transition from today's power-driven energy industry to a heat-led, sustainable hydrogen economy should be facilitated.
  • the transition to a hydrogen economy can be realized more cost-effectively, since the hydrogen is mainly used for the power supply by means of fuel cells. To ensure the heat supply, especially in winter, nevertheless, in addition to the hydrogen purified natural gas is fed into the pipe network.
  • a purified natural gas is used. This means that the proportions of the interfering components contained in the natural gas are so low that a significant damage to the fuel cells by the pipe network removed gas mixture is avoided. Otherwise, would have to be installed at the end consumers gas cleaning facilities, which should be avoided for cost reasons.
  • hydrogen is preferably fed into the pipe network in as pure a form as possible. Minimal contaminants of the hydrogen may, if necessary, be tolerated depending on the process used to produce hydrogen for cost reasons.
  • each end user operates a fuel cell and a gas burner with the provided via the pipe network gas or gas mixture.
  • the fuel cell and the gas burner in an end user are interconnected and connected to the pipe network so that the fuel cell uses at least a portion of the hydrogen of the gas mixture to generate electricity.
  • the natural gas-rich exhaust gas of the fuel cell which may still contain some hydrogen, is preferably fed to a gas burner of a gas boiler.
  • the gas mixture is preferably fed to the anode of the fuel cell. Therefore, it is also preferable that the exhaust gas leaked at the anode is supplied to the gas burner.
  • the anode gas has hydrogen and in the present case additionally natural gas.
  • the cathode gas is usually mainly air or oxygen as well as possibly resulting in the generation of electricity water.
  • PMFC fuel cell polymer electrolyte fuel cells
  • PAFC phosphoric acid fuel cells
  • MCFC molten carbonate fuel cells
  • SOFC solid oxide fuel cells
  • the pipe network may be a newly built pipe network or an existing natural gas network.
  • a natural gas network it is in particular a spatially delimited part of an existing natural gas network.
  • the size of the demarcated natural gas area depends on the size and number of hydrogen factories and hydrogen storage facilities available for the demarcated natural gas supply.
  • the gas burner is preferably a so-called universal burner whose nozzle is capable of to burn a gas mixture with a hydrogen content of 0 to 100%.
  • the end user is free to use the hydrogen, or a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas, solely for heating in the gas boiler or to generate electricity by connecting a fuel cell.
  • the electricity can be used by itself, fed into the general electricity grid or purchased to meet its own demand peaks from the general electricity grid.
  • the upstream hydrogen factory In order to avoid energy losses, it is expedient to operate the upstream hydrogen factory at partial load in summer and at full load the rest of the time. In the winter, additional purified natural gas can be fed into the pipe network to cover peak heat demand. At full load of the hydrogen factory then significant amounts of electricity can be fed into the general grid, without the waste heat from the fuel cell is lost. Thus, a heat-controlled generation of electricity and heat is possible, which is by definition lossless.
  • the hydrogen factory for the supply of hydrogen should be at least partially controllable for proper operation of the piping network. This can be achieved both with the use of electrolyzers and with the use of steam reformers for the production of hydrogen.
  • This heat accumulator should be chargeable both by waste heat of the fuel cell and by waste heat from the gas boiler.
  • the heat accumulator can also have an electric heater, both with power from the fuel cell and with electricity from the general Power grid can be operated. If the supply of hydrogen and natural gas fails, the electric heater can be operated as emergency heating.
  • the heat storage can consist of a kettle in a simple embodiment.
  • the power supply can also be stabilized by the general power grid.
  • a memory for purified natural gas can be provided, from which then, as needed, purified natural gas can be fed into the pipe network.
  • the purified natural gas storage may be located at the beginning of a natural gas supply area. There, if necessary, also takes place the supply of natural gas in the closed pipe network. If the pipe network has no beginning due to its spatial structure, then the beginning of the pipe network can be defined by the location of feeding natural gas, at least if there are no other places of supply of natural gas in the pipe network distributed over the natural gas supply area.
  • a memory may be provided, which may be arranged at the beginning of a hydrogen supply area.
  • the natural gas supply area and the hydrogen supply area are preferably congruent. In the absence of a spatial beginning of the pipe network, it may be the place of supply of the Hydrogen can be regarded as the beginning of the pipe network, if the hydrogen is not fed distributed at different locations over the hydrogen supply area.
  • the location of the feed of the hydrogen and the location of the feed of the natural gas are identical. More preferably, the hydrogen and the natural gas are mixed prior to feeding, so that the ratio of hydrogen to natural gas in the pipe network is everywhere as uniform as possible.
  • a mean value for the calorific value can be formed for a given supply period. This mean value can be formed by measuring the volume flows of the injected hydrogen and the injected natural gas. With a similar user structure a sufficiently accurate billing can be ensured. Alternatively, especially for larger customers, devices for measuring the amount of energy consumed, broken down into hydrogen and natural gas, may be installed.
  • sulfur-containing odorants can lead to damage to the fuel cells of the end user, the gas supplied to the end user, a sulfur-free odorant can be mixed about acrylate-based.
  • the end user can also use the trigger automatic closure of the gas main valve.
  • the gas mixture should then always contain so much hydrogen that the hydrogen detector works reliably.
  • the hydrogen factory may therefore be provided with a small additional hydrogen generator. This may be a small electrolyzer that will break in if the big factory fails.
  • a hydrogen storage may be provided. The threshold values of the hydrogen detector are then adjusted by remote control.
  • the method can be provided to feed purified natural gas and hydrogen either separately or after a previous mixing process in the pipe network and transport to the end users.
  • a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas can then be taken from the pipe network as needed.
  • the hydrogen content of the withdrawn mixture can be used at least partially by at least one fuel cell at the end user for power generation.
  • the mixture of hydrogen and natural gas can be used after leaving the fuel cell, such as gas rich in natural gas of the fuel cell, the end user of at least one gas burner for heat generation.
  • the hydrogen content of the gas taken from the pipe network can be efficiently converted into electricity and heat by means of a fuel cell.
  • the downstream gas burner additional heat can be generated by combustion of the natural gas and, if necessary, still existing hydrogen.
  • pure hydrogen may be supplied to a variety of end users If necessary, hydrogen can be mixed with purified natural gas at the beginning of the natural gas supply area and, if necessary, a fuel cell can be switched in front of the gas burner of the end user.
  • the excess power can be fed into the grid.
  • the entire system is thus heat-controlled and not current operated as usual today. In current-driven operation, part of the heat generated during power generation often remains unused. In other words, the fuel cell can be network-parallel operation. In the case of an end user, not only can the electricity generated by the at least one fuel cell be discharged into the power grid. It is also possible to obtain electricity for operating electrical consumers at the end user from the power grid.
  • a sulfur-free odorant can be fed into the pipe network. This does not lead, like sulfur-containing odorizing agents, to damage to the fuel cells.
  • the end user preferably operates a heat accumulator which can be charged via the waste heat of the fuel cell or of the gas boiler.
  • the heat accumulator may be associated with an electric heater.
  • the heat storage is electrically heated in other words.
  • the electric heater can be operated by power generated by the fuel cell or by mains power.
  • the plurality of fuel cells in the end consumers specifically for feeding at least a portion of the peak load power demand in the power grid.
  • the plurality of fuel cells can therefore be operated as a kind of peak load power plant.
  • the large number of fuel cells ensures a high level of security of supply.
  • the fuel cells can feed large amounts of electricity into the grid in no time at all.
  • the fuel cells can be operated profitably even when no peak load needs to be covered in terms of power demand.
  • the fuel cells are present anyway, so that the peak load current can be provided inexpensively.
  • the injection of peak load current can contribute to a stabilization in the operation of the power grid.
  • the operation of the power grid can also be stabilized by removing power from the grid in the event of a rapid and / or brief drop in the power requirement at the end consumers.
  • the power of the fuel cell targeted at the end consumers throttled and one of this throttling corresponding amount of electricity at the end consumers are removed from the mains.
  • the corresponding amount of current may correspond to the amount of current that is generated by the throttling of the fuel cell of the same less.
  • the corresponding amount of power may also correspond to the amount of power required for the generation of the heat quantity at the end consumers, which is produced less by the fuel cells as a result of the throttling of the fuel cells.
  • the appropriate amount of power can be removed very quickly and easily from the mains, especially when using a central control.
  • the effort is much lower than adapting the power of certain power plants integrated into the power grid to the current power consumption.
  • the fuel cells of the end consumers can be throttled in their performance.
  • an electric heater for heating domestic water and / or water of the heating system can be operated.
  • the electricity taken from the power supply can be usefully used to heat up a heat accumulator, even if the end user currently has no heat requirement. If this is the case at a later point in time, the end user can in some cases resort to the thermal energy stored in the heat accumulator.
  • the heating value and the volumetric flow of the hydrogen and of the natural gas are measured continuously at the location of the feed of hydrogen and natural gas, and from this the mean value for one, for example any, period is calculated. It can further be provided that this average value is called up at any time by the end users and / or their representatives by remote inquiry.
  • a separate network of pipelines for the distribution of hydrogen and purified natural gas to final consumers facilities for injecting hydrogen and natural gas into the piping network and means for extracting a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas from the piping network to final consumers are provided.
  • At least part of the End consumers are at least one fuel cell and at least one gas burner available.
  • polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells can be provided which are economical to operate and can efficiently convert the hydrogen even at low hydrogen contents.
  • a memory for temporary storage of the natural gas to be fed into the pipe network is provided. It may be provided regardless of the use of such natural gas storage and a hydrogen storage. Both increase on the one hand the reliability and on the other hand the economy.
  • a heat storage can be provided at the end user. This can store waste heat from the fuel cell and / or the gas boiler. It can also be heated by an electric heater, if this is desirable for the purpose of increasing the flexibility of the overall system.
  • the fuel cells are connected to the power supply for the purpose of charging in electricity.
  • surplus electricity generated during heat generation can be supplied to the power grid by an end user.
  • Another end user can then draw power from the power grid when he needs more power than is available in the provision of the required amount of heat.
  • a central device for controlling the plurality of fuel cells is provided at the end consumers. This control then ensures, for example, that without intervention of the individual end consumers of a certain amount of electricity over a certain period of time is fed into the power grid. In this way, peak load current in the power grid can be provided easily and inexpensively.
  • Synthetic natural gas can also be fed into the pipeline network.
  • Synthetic natural gas resembles fossil natural gas in its composition. However, it is not extracted from deposits in the soil but extracted from non-fossil resources.
  • raw material for synthetic natural gas for example, derived from organic waste, purified biogas in question.
  • a limited supply area is shown, which is supplied with pure hydrogen 1 and natural gas 2.
  • the hydrogen 1 and the natural gas are fed in the illustrated embodiment via separate lines in a pipe network, from which a plurality of end consumers 8a to 8j remove gas. End users operate a fuel cell with the gas.
  • a gas cleaning 3 for the purification of natural gas can be provided.
  • the gas purification should be designed for the high demands on the fuel gas of the low-temperature fuel cells with polymer electrolyte membrane. In this case, essentially all sulfur compounds should be removed. This can be done by the use of metal oxides.
  • the proportion of carbon monoxide (CO) of the gas mixture in the pipe network should be less than 5 ppm. This can be achieved by selective oxidation, which also removes oxygen from natural gas.
  • the volume flows of hydrogen 1 and natural gas 2 are detected by the measuring devices 4 and 5.
  • An arithmetic unit 6 acquires this data and continuously forms mean values that can be retrieved for any desired period.
  • the data can be transmitted for example via an antenna 7 to each end user.
  • the end users 8a to 8j receive either substantially pure hydrogen, purified natural gas, or a mixture of both. In case of failure of the hydrogen factory, the end user will be supplied with purified natural gas and electricity from the general power grid. Even a complete supply with electricity alone is possible.
  • a house installation provided at the end consumers 8a to 8j is shown.
  • Hydrogen 1 and purified natural gas 2 passes through the main mechanical valve 9 and the valve 10 controlled by a hydrogen detector.
  • the volume flow of the gas is measured by a counter 11.
  • the related energy is determined by remote request to the computing unit 6 for any period.
  • the gas first passes into a fuel cell 12, which largely converts the hydrogen content of the gas into electricity and heat.
  • the electricity can be used by itself or fed into the general electricity grid. As long as there is a high demand for electricity, as much power as possible is fed into the general electricity grid.
  • the heat from the fuel cell 12 is transmitted by means of a heat exchanger 19 to a partial flow 16 of the heating return 14.
  • the heated partial flow 16a together with the partial flow 22, the flow 25 of the heating system.
  • Another partial flow 15 of the return 14 enters the boiler 28.
  • the unreacted gas 20 from the fuel cell 12 is directed to a universal burner 21, which is associated with the boiler and the water heated by the boiler.
  • the universal burner is designed for any mixing ratios of hydrogen and natural gas.
  • a bypass line can be guided around the fuel cell, so that, if necessary, at least part of the gas taken from the pipe network can be fed directly to the gas burner while bypassing the fuel cell.
  • the overall efficiency can be increased if the individual end user requires a lot of heat and the whole of the end users at the same time have a low power requirement, which is already covered elsewhere.
  • the heated water 22 from the boiler 28 is used through the heat storage 24 as a flow 25 for installed in the house radiator.
  • the need for hot domestic water is satisfied via a line 26, which is guided through the heat accumulator and thus allows heating of the process water.
  • the position of the valves 17 and 18 is dependent on the power of the fuel cell 12 and the power of the boiler 28.
  • the electric heater 27 in the heat storage 24 can be powered by the fuel cell 12 or the general power grid.
  • the method described is suitable for the transition to a solar hydrogen economy, which in principle knows no losses. Due to the power surplus that can be generated by the method according to the invention, the construction of new thermal power plants can be avoided.
  • the decentralized power generation described by the end users can also stabilize the power grid be used by the ratio of power and heat generation with high dynamics, ie very quickly, can be changed.
  • Hydrogen can be produced from all energies. Most cost-effective is the production of hydrogen from biomass by means of steam reforming. The potential of biomass alone would be enough to replace all atomic and fossil fuels in most countries. So there is a way to get started in a hydrogen economy, in which the hydrogen can be delivered to the end user and converted by loss without loss.

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Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung jeweils zur Nutzung von über ein abgegrenztes Rohrnetz bereitgestelltem Wasserstoff mittels bei Endverbrauchern vorgesehenen Brennstoffzellen.The invention relates to a method and a device in each case for the use of hydrogen provided via a delimited pipe network by means of fuel cells provided at the end consumers.

Brennstoffzellen mit Polymerelektrolytmembranen werden heute im Erdgasnetz so betrieben, dass jeder einzelnen Brennstoffzelle ein Reformer vorgeschaltet ist. Das ist ineffizient und teuer. Die bekannten Einheiten aus Reformer und Brennstoffzelle können den hochdynamischen Bedarfsanforderungen des Endverbrauchers nicht folgen, so dass der Endverbraucher zur Energieversorgung zusätzlich auf das allgemeine Stromnetz angewiesen ist. Eine typische Einheit aus Reformer und Brennstoffzelle ist in der DE 199 51 215 A1 beschrieben.Fuel cells with polymer electrolyte membranes are today operated in the natural gas network so that each fuel cell is preceded by a reformer. That's inefficient and expensive. The known units of reformer and fuel cell can not follow the highly dynamic demand requirements of the end user, so that the end user is additionally dependent on the general power grid for energy supply. A typical unit of reformer and fuel cell is in the DE 199 51 215 A1 described.

Für den Betrieb von Brennstoffzellen mit Erdgas muss zunächst im Reformer ein wasserstoffhaltiges Synthesegas erzeugt werden. Da dieses Synthesegas noch eine Vielzahl von Inhaltsstoffen aufweist, die die Katalysatoren im Reformer und der Brennstoffzelle vergiften (Störkomponenten), muss das Synthesegas vor der Verstromung in der Brennstoffzelle auf Brennstoffzellenqualität gereinigt werden. Das wasserstoffhaltige Synthesegas aus dem Reformer muss also durch Gasreinigungsvorrichtungen auf Brennstoffzellenqualität gereinigt werden, damit die Brennstoffzelle nicht beschädigt wird. Neben Kohlenmonoxid (CO) und Sauerstoff (O2) müssen insbesondere schwefelhaltige Verbindungen aus dem Synthesegas abgetrennt werden. Diese Problematik ist in der EP 1 926 169 A1 beschrieben. Für die Hausenergieversorgung mit wenigen Kilowatt Leistung führen die hohen Anforderungen der Brennstoffzellen an die Reinheit des wasserstoffhaltigen Gases zu hohen Investitionen.For the operation of fuel cells with natural gas, a hydrogen-containing synthesis gas must first be generated in the reformer. Since this syngas still has a variety of ingredients that poison the catalysts in the reformer and the fuel cell (interfering components), the synthesis gas must be purified before the power generation in the fuel cell to fuel cell quality. The hydrogen-containing synthesis gas from the reformer must therefore be cleaned by fuel cell quality gas cleaners so as not to damage the fuel cell. In addition to carbon monoxide (CO) and oxygen (O 2 ) in particular sulfur-containing compounds must be separated from the synthesis gas. This problem is in the EP 1 926 169 A1 described. For the home energy supply with a few kilowatts of power, the high demands of the fuel cells on the purity of the hydrogen-containing gas lead to high investments.

Wenn ein Gebiet, etwa einer Stadt, über ein Rohrnetz mit Wasserstoff zur Erzeugung von Strom und Wärme versorgt werden soll, muss die Produktion von Wasserstoff vor allem dem Wärmebedarf folgen. Es muss also genügend Wasserstoff bereitgestellt werden, um den Wärmebedarf zu decken. Bei Fabriken, die Wasserstoff aus Biomasse produzieren, geht das nur mit großen, teuren Speichern wie Kavernenspeichern. Solche Speicher sind zwar in das Erdgasnetz integriert, stehen aber für ein Wasserstoffnetz zunächst nicht oder nur eingeschränkt zur Verfügung. Die finanziellen Hürden beim Übergang zu einer Wasserstoffwirtschaft sind demnach sehr hoch.If an area, such as a city, is to be supplied with hydrogen via a pipeline network for the production of electricity and heat, the production of hydrogen must first and foremost follow the heat demand. So enough hydrogen has to be provided to cover the heat demand. Factories producing hydrogen from biomass can only do so with large, expensive storage facilities such as cavern storage. Although such storage units are integrated into the natural gas network, they are initially not available or only to a limited extent available for a hydrogen network. The financial hurdles in the transition to a hydrogen economy are therefore very high.

Die Fachhochschule Lübeck PROJEKT-GMBH hat im Juni 2007 in einer Studie mit dem Titel " Studie zur Dämpfung der Netzbelastung durch Wasserstoffsysteme" auf den Seiten 62, 63 und 71 die Zumischung von Wasserstoff in ein abgegrenztes Erdgasnetz und die Nutzung des Wasserstoffanteils in dezentralen Brennstoffzellen als theoretische Möglichkeit beschrieben, aber aus mehreren Gründen als nicht praktikabel verworfen. Die technische Durchführung wurde nicht offenbart.The University of Applied Sciences Lübeck PROJEKT-GMBH has in June 2007 in a study entitled "Study on damping the network load by hydrogen systems" on pages 62, 63 and 71, the addition of hydrogen in a demarcated natural gas network and the use of hydrogen in decentralized fuel cells as described theoretical possibility, but rejected as impractical for several reasons. The technical implementation was not disclosed.

In der EP 2 156 544 A2 wird der Betrieb von Brennstoffzellen an einem Erdgasnetz mit den Brennstoffzellen vorgeschalteten Erdgasreformern beschrieben.In the EP 2 156 544 A2 the operation of fuel cells is described on a natural gas network with the fuel cell upstream natural gas reformers.

Es ist Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung jeweils der eingangs genannten und zuvor näher beschriebenen Art derart weiterzubilden und weiterzuentwickeln, dass die geschilderten Nachteile vermieden und Brennstoffzellen hochdynamisch und kostengünstig betrieben werden können. Es soll so zudem der Übergang von der heutigen stromgeführten Energiewirtschaft zu einer wärmegeführten, nachhaltigen Wasserstoffwirtschaft erleichtert werden.It is an object of the invention to further develop and further develop a method and a device of the type mentioned above and described in more detail above such that the described disadvantages can be avoided and fuel cells can be operated highly dynamically and cost-effectively. In addition, the transition from today's power-driven energy industry to a heat-led, sustainable hydrogen economy should be facilitated.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1.

Ferner wird die Aufgabe durch eine Vorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 9 gelost.Furthermore, the object is achieved by a device according to claim 9.

Erfindungsgemäß kann der Übergang hin zu einer Wasserstoffwirtschaft kostengünstiger realisiert werden, da der Wasserstoff vorwiegend für die Stromversorgung mittels Brennstoffzellen genutzt wird. Um die Wärmeversorgung, insbesondere im Winter, dennoch sicherzustellen, wird zusätzlich zum Wasserstoff gereinigtes Erdgas in das Rohrnetz eingespeist.According to the invention, the transition to a hydrogen economy can be realized more cost-effectively, since the hydrogen is mainly used for the power supply by means of fuel cells. To ensure the heat supply, especially in winter, nevertheless, in addition to the hydrogen purified natural gas is fed into the pipe network.

Als Erdgas wird ein gereinigtes Erdgas verwendet. Dies bedeutet, dass die Anteile der im Ergas enthaltenen Störkomponenten so gering sind, dass eine nennenswerte Schädigung der Brennstoffzellen durch das dem Rohrnetz entnommenen Gasgemisch vermieden wird. Andernfalls müssten bei den Endverbrauchern Gasreinigungseinrichtungen installiert werden, was aus Kostengründen vermieden werden soll. Aus dem gleichen Grund oder um den Anteil inerter Gase an dem durch das Rohrnetz transportierten Gasgemisch zu minimieren, wird Wasserstoff vorzugsweise in möglichst reiner Form in das Rohrnetz eingespeist. Minimale Verunreinigungen des Wasserstoffs können bedarfsweise je nach dem verwendeten Verfahren zur Herstellung von Wasserstoff aus Kostengründen toleriert werden.As natural gas, a purified natural gas is used. This means that the proportions of the interfering components contained in the natural gas are so low that a significant damage to the fuel cells by the pipe network removed gas mixture is avoided. Otherwise, would have to be installed at the end consumers gas cleaning facilities, which should be avoided for cost reasons. For the same reason or to minimize the proportion of inert gases on the gas mixture transported through the pipe network, hydrogen is preferably fed into the pipe network in as pure a form as possible. Minimal contaminants of the hydrogen may, if necessary, be tolerated depending on the process used to produce hydrogen for cost reasons.

Im Übrigen ist es zwar zweckmäßig aber nicht erforderlich, dass jeder Endverbraucher eine Brennstoffzelle und einen Gasbrenner mit dem über das Rohrnetz bereitgestellten Gas bzw. Gasgemisch betreibt. Es kann auch einzelne an das Rohrnetz angeschlossene Endverbraucher geben, die lediglich eine Brennstoffzelle oder einen Gasbrenner mit dem über das Rohrnetz bereitgestellten Gas bzw. Gasgemisch betreiben.Incidentally, although it is expedient but not necessary that each end user operates a fuel cell and a gas burner with the provided via the pipe network gas or gas mixture. There may also be individual connected to the pipe network end users who operate only a fuel cell or a gas burner with the provided via the pipe network gas or gas mixture.

Die Brennstoffzelle und der Gasbrenner bei einem Endverbraucher sind so miteinander verschaltet und an das Rohrnetz angebunden, dass die Brennstoffzelle jedenfalls einen Teil des Wasserstoffs des Gasgemischs zur Erzeugung von Strom nutzt. Das erdgasreichere Abgas der Brennstoffzelle, das noch etwas Wasserstoff enthalten kann, wird vorzugsweise einem Gasbrenner eines Gaskessels zugeleitet. Das Gasgemisch wird vorzugsweise der Anode der Brennstoffzelle zugeführt. Daher wird auch vorzugsweise das an der Anode entweichende Abgas dem Gasbrenner zugeleitet. Denn typischerweise weist lediglich das Anodengas Wasserstoff und im vorliegenden Fall zusätzlich Erdgas auf. Das Kathodengas ist in der Regel vornehmlich Luft oder Sauerstoff sowie ggf. bei der Stromerzeugung entstehendes Wasser.The fuel cell and the gas burner in an end user are interconnected and connected to the pipe network so that the fuel cell uses at least a portion of the hydrogen of the gas mixture to generate electricity. The natural gas-rich exhaust gas of the fuel cell, which may still contain some hydrogen, is preferably fed to a gas burner of a gas boiler. The gas mixture is preferably fed to the anode of the fuel cell. Therefore, it is also preferable that the exhaust gas leaked at the anode is supplied to the gas burner. For typically only the anode gas has hydrogen and in the present case additionally natural gas. The cathode gas is usually mainly air or oxygen as well as possibly resulting in the generation of electricity water.

Als Brennstoffzellen bieten sich Polymerelektrolyt-Brennstoffzellen (PMFC) an, die auch dann problemlos Strom erzeugen können, wenn der Wasserstoffanteil am Gemisch aus Wasserstoff und Erdgas gering ist. Es können aber auch andere Brennstoffzellen wie Phosphorsaure Brennstoffzellen (PAFC), Schmelzkarbonat-Brennstoffzellen (MCFC) oder Festoxid-Brennstoffzellen (SOFC) verwendet werden. Bedarfsweise können auch mehrere der vorgenannten Brennstoffzellenarten gleichzeitig an das Rohrnetz angeschlossen sein.As a fuel cell polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PMFC) offer, which can easily generate electricity even if the hydrogen content of the mixture of hydrogen and natural gas is low. However, other fuel cells such as phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC), molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) or solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) may also be used. If necessary, several of the aforementioned fuel cell types can be connected to the pipe network at the same time.

Bei dem Rohrnetz kann es sich um ein neu gebautes Rohrnetz oder ein bestehendes Erdgasnetz handeln. Im Falle eines Erdgasnetzes handelt es sich insbesondere um einen räumlich abgegrenzten Teil eines bestehenden Erdgasnetzes. Die Größe des abgegrenzten Erdgasgebietes hängt ab von der Größe und Anzahl der Wasserstofffabriken und Wasserstoffspeicher, die für die abgegrenzte Erdgasversorgung bereitstehen.The pipe network may be a newly built pipe network or an existing natural gas network. In the case of a natural gas network, it is in particular a spatially delimited part of an existing natural gas network. The size of the demarcated natural gas area depends on the size and number of hydrogen factories and hydrogen storage facilities available for the demarcated natural gas supply.

In das Rohrnetz kann im Sommer bedarfsweise nur, insbesondere reiner, Wasserstoff eingespeist werden. Mittels der Brennstoffzellen können die Endverbraucher Strom und Warmwasser für den eigenen Bedarf erzeugen. Insbesondere im Winter kann neben dem Wasserstoff auch gereinigtes Erdgas in das Rohrnetz eingespeist werden. Der Erdgasanteil kann zur Sicherstellung der Wärmeversorgung mittels eines Gasbrenners genutzt werden.In the pipe network can only be fed in the summer, especially pure, hydrogen. Fuel cells enable end users to generate electricity and hot water for their own needs. In winter, in addition to the hydrogen, purified natural gas can also be fed into the pipeline network. The natural gas content can be used to ensure the heat supply by means of a gas burner.

Bei dem Gasbrenner handelt es sich vorzugsweise um einen sogenannten Universalbrenner, dessen Düse in der Lage ist, ein Gasgemisch mit einem Wasserstoffanteil von 0 bis 100% zu verbrennen. Dem Endverbraucher steht es frei, den Wasserstoff, beziehungsweise ein Gemisch aus Wasserstoff und Erdgas, allein zum Heizen im Gaskessel zu nutzen oder durch Vorschaltung einer Brennstoffzelle auch Strom zu erzeugen. Der Strom kann selbst genutzt, in das allgemeine Stromnetz eingespeist werden oder zur Deckung von eigenen Bedarfsspitzen aus dem allgemeinen Stromnetz bezogen werden.The gas burner is preferably a so-called universal burner whose nozzle is capable of to burn a gas mixture with a hydrogen content of 0 to 100%. The end user is free to use the hydrogen, or a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas, solely for heating in the gas boiler or to generate electricity by connecting a fuel cell. The electricity can be used by itself, fed into the general electricity grid or purchased to meet its own demand peaks from the general electricity grid.

Um Energieverluste zu vermeiden, ist es zweckmäßig, die vorgelagerte Wasserstofffabrik im Sommer mit Teillast und in der übrigen Zeit bei Volllast zu betreiben. Für die Abdeckung von Bedarfsspitzen an Wärme kann im Winter zusätzlich gereinigtes Erdgas in das Rohrnetz eingespeist werden. Bei Volllast der Wasserstofffabrik können dann erhebliche Strommengen in das allgemeine Stromnetz eingespeist werden, ohne dass die Abwärme aus der Brennstoffzelle verloren geht. Damit ist eine wärmegeführte Erzeugung von Strom und Wärme möglich, die definitionsgemäß verlustfrei ist. Die Wasserstofffabrik zur Bereitstellung des Wasserstoffs sollte für einen entsprechenden Betrieb des Rohrnetzes mindestens begrenzt steuerbar sein. Dies kann sowohl bei der Verwendung von Elektrolyseuren als auch bei der Verwendung von Steam-Reformern zur Herstellung von Wasserstoff erreicht werden.In order to avoid energy losses, it is expedient to operate the upstream hydrogen factory at partial load in summer and at full load the rest of the time. In the winter, additional purified natural gas can be fed into the pipe network to cover peak heat demand. At full load of the hydrogen factory then significant amounts of electricity can be fed into the general grid, without the waste heat from the fuel cell is lost. Thus, a heat-controlled generation of electricity and heat is possible, which is by definition lossless. The hydrogen factory for the supply of hydrogen should be at least partially controllable for proper operation of the piping network. This can be achieved both with the use of electrolyzers and with the use of steam reformers for the production of hydrogen.

Es ist zweckmäßig, die Einheit aus Brennstoffzelle und Gasbrenner beim Endverbraucherum einen Wärmespeicher zu ergänzen. Dieser Wärmespeicher sollte sowohl durch Abwärme der Brennstoffzelle als auch durch Abwärme vom Gaskessel aufladbar sein. Der Wärmespeicher kann zudem eine Elektroheizung aufweisen, die sowohl mit Strom aus der Brennstoffzelle als auch mit Strom aus dem allgemeinen Stromnetz betrieben werden kann. Sollte die Versorgung mit Wasserstoff und Erdgas ausfallen, kann die Elektroheizung als Notheizung betrieben werden. Der Wärmespeicher kann in einfacher Ausgestaltung aus einem Wasserkessel bestehen.It is expedient to supplement the unit of fuel cell and gas burner at Endverbraucherum a heat storage. This heat accumulator should be chargeable both by waste heat of the fuel cell and by waste heat from the gas boiler. The heat accumulator can also have an electric heater, both with power from the fuel cell and with electricity from the general Power grid can be operated. If the supply of hydrogen and natural gas fails, the electric heater can be operated as emergency heating. The heat storage can consist of a kettle in a simple embodiment.

Mit Strom aus den Brennstoffzellen kann zudem die Stromversorgung durch das allgemeine Stromnetz stabilisiert werden.With electricity from the fuel cells, the power supply can also be stabilized by the general power grid.

Damit die Gasreinigungsanlage zur Aufbereitung des Erdgases nicht für den Spitzenbedarf ausgelegt werden muss, kann ein Speicher für gereinigtes Erdgas vorgesehen sein, aus dem dann je nach Bedarf gereinigtes Erdgas in das Rohrnetz eingespeist werden kann.So that the gas purification plant for the treatment of natural gas does not need to be designed for the peak demand, a memory for purified natural gas can be provided, from which then, as needed, purified natural gas can be fed into the pipe network.

Der Speicher für gereinigtes Erdgas kann sich am Beginn eines Erdgasversorgungsgebiets befinden. Dort findet bedarfsweise zudem die Einspeisung von Erdgas in das abgeschlossene Rohrnetz statt. Wenn das Rohrnetz aufgrund seiner räumlichen Struktur keinen Beginn aufweist, so kann der Beginn des Rohrnetzes durch den Ort des Einspeisens von Erdgas definiert sein, jedenfalls wenn keine weiteren Orte der Einspeisung von Erdgas in das Rohrnetz über das Erdgasversorgungsgebiet verteilt angeordnet sind.The purified natural gas storage may be located at the beginning of a natural gas supply area. There, if necessary, also takes place the supply of natural gas in the closed pipe network. If the pipe network has no beginning due to its spatial structure, then the beginning of the pipe network can be defined by the location of feeding natural gas, at least if there are no other places of supply of natural gas in the pipe network distributed over the natural gas supply area.

In analoger Weise kann für den, bedarfsweise im Wesentlichen reinen, Wasserstoff ein Speicher vorgesehen sein, der am Beginn eines Wasserstoffversorgungsgebiets angeordnet sein kann. Das Erdgasversorgungsgebiet und das Wasserstoffversorgungsgebiet sind dabei vorzugsweise deckungsgleich. Es kann in Ermangelung eines räumlichen Beginns des Rohrnetzes der Ort der Einspeisung des Wasserstoffs als Beginn des Rohrnetzes angesehen werden, wenn der Wasserstoff nicht an unterschiedlichen Orten über das Wasserstoffversorgungsgebiet verteilt eingespeist wird. Vorzugsweise sind der Ort der Einspeisung des Wasserstoffs und der Ort der Einspeisung des Erdgases identisch. Weitervorzugsweise werden der Wasserstoff und das Erdgas vor der Einspeisung gemischt, so dass das Verhältnis von Wasserstoff zu Erdgas im Rohrnetz überall möglichst gleichmäßig ist.In an analogous manner, for the substantially pure, if necessary, hydrogen, a memory may be provided, which may be arranged at the beginning of a hydrogen supply area. The natural gas supply area and the hydrogen supply area are preferably congruent. In the absence of a spatial beginning of the pipe network, it may be the place of supply of the Hydrogen can be regarded as the beginning of the pipe network, if the hydrogen is not fed distributed at different locations over the hydrogen supply area. Preferably, the location of the feed of the hydrogen and the location of the feed of the natural gas are identical. More preferably, the hydrogen and the natural gas are mixed prior to feeding, so that the ratio of hydrogen to natural gas in the pipe network is everywhere as uniform as possible.

Die Endverbraucher bzw. deren Haushalte besitzen in der Regel nur Volumenzähler für Gas. Um Umrüstkosten für einen Heizmengenzähler zu vermeiden, kann für eine gegebene Versorgungsperiode ein Mittelwert für den Brennwert gebildet werden. Dieser Mittelwert kann durch Messung der Volumenströme des eingespeisten Wasserstoffs und des eingespeisten Erdgases gebildet werden. Bei ähnlicher Nutzerstruktur kann so eine hinreichend genaue Abrechnung sichergestellt werden. Alternativ können, insbesondere bei größeren Abnehmern, Geräte zur Messung der bezogenen Energiemenge, aufgeschlüsselt in Wasserstoff und Erdgas, installiert sein.The end consumers or their households usually only have volumetric meters for gas. In order to avoid conversion costs for a heat quantity meter, a mean value for the calorific value can be formed for a given supply period. This mean value can be formed by measuring the volume flows of the injected hydrogen and the injected natural gas. With a similar user structure a sufficiently accurate billing can be ensured. Alternatively, especially for larger customers, devices for measuring the amount of energy consumed, broken down into hydrogen and natural gas, may be installed.

Da schwefelhaltige Odorierungsmittel zu einer Schädigung der Brennstoffzellen der Endverbraucher führen können, kann dem an den Endverbraucher gelieferten Gas ein schwefelfreies Odorierungsmittel etwa auf Acrylatbasis beigemischt werden.Since sulfur-containing odorants can lead to damage to the fuel cells of the end user, the gas supplied to the end user, a sulfur-free odorant can be mixed about acrylate-based.

Es ist alternativ oder zusätzlich zweckmäßig, dem Endverbraucher einen Wasserstoffdetektor zur Verfügung zu stellen, der bei Gefahr einen akustischen Alarm auslöst. Zur Erhöhung der Sicherheit kann der Detektor auch die automatische Schließung des Gashauptventils auslösen. Die Gasmischung sollte dann immer soviel Wasserstoff enthalten, dass der Wasserstoffdetektor zuverlässig funktioniert. Der Wasserstofffabrik kann daher ein kleiner zusätzlicher Wasserstofferzeuger beigestellt sein. Das kann ein kleiner Elektrolyseur sein, der einspringt, wenn die große Fabrik ausfällt. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann ein Wasserstoffspeicher vorgesehen sein. Die Schwellwerte des Wasserstoffdetektors sind dann per Fernsteuerung anzupassen.It is alternatively or additionally expedient to provide the end user with a hydrogen detector which triggers an acoustic alarm in the event of danger. To increase safety, the detector can also use the trigger automatic closure of the gas main valve. The gas mixture should then always contain so much hydrogen that the hydrogen detector works reliably. The hydrogen factory may therefore be provided with a small additional hydrogen generator. This may be a small electrolyzer that will break in if the big factory fails. Alternatively or additionally, a hydrogen storage may be provided. The threshold values of the hydrogen detector are then adjusted by remote control.

Verfahrensmäßig kann vorgesehen sein, gereinigtes Erdgas und Wasserstoff entweder separat oder nach einem vorherigen Mischvorgang in das Rohrnetz einzuspeisen und zu den Endverbrauchern zu transportiern. Bei den Endverbrauchern kann dann je nach Bedarf ein Gemisch aus Wasserstoff und Erdgas aus dem Rohrnetz entnommen werden. Anschließend kann der Wasserstoffanteil des entnommenen Gemischs wenigstens teilweise von wenigstens einer Brennstoffzelle beim Endverbraucher zur Stromerzeugung genutzt werden. Das Gemisch aus Wasserstoff und Erdgas kann nach dem Verlassen der Brennstoffzelle, etwa als erdgasreicheres Abgas der Brennstoffzelle, beim Endverbraucher von jeweils wenigstens einem Gasbrenner zur Wärmeerzeugung genutzt werden. Auf diese Weise kann der Wasserstoffanteil des dem Rohrnetz entnommenen Gases effizient mittels einer Brennstoffzelle in Strom und Wärme umgesetzt werden. Durch den nachgeschalteten Gasbrenner kann noch zusätzliche Wärme durch Verbrennung des Erdgases und bedarfsweise noch vorhandenen Wasserstoffs erzeugt werden.The method can be provided to feed purified natural gas and hydrogen either separately or after a previous mixing process in the pipe network and transport to the end users. For the end users, a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas can then be taken from the pipe network as needed. Subsequently, the hydrogen content of the withdrawn mixture can be used at least partially by at least one fuel cell at the end user for power generation. The mixture of hydrogen and natural gas can be used after leaving the fuel cell, such as gas rich in natural gas of the fuel cell, the end user of at least one gas burner for heat generation. In this way, the hydrogen content of the gas taken from the pipe network can be efficiently converted into electricity and heat by means of a fuel cell. By the downstream gas burner additional heat can be generated by combustion of the natural gas and, if necessary, still existing hydrogen.

Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann reiner Wasserstoff an eine Vielzahl von Endverbrauchern geliefert werden, diesem Wasserstoff bei Bedarf gereinigtes Erdgas am Beginn des Erdgasversorgungsgebietes zugemischt werden und bei Bedarf eine Brennstoffzelle vor den Gasbrenner des Endverbrauchers geschaltet werden.Alternatively or additionally, pure hydrogen may be supplied to a variety of end users If necessary, hydrogen can be mixed with purified natural gas at the beginning of the natural gas supply area and, if necessary, a fuel cell can be switched in front of the gas burner of the end user.

Wird weniger Wärme benötigt, als bei der Bereitstellung des benötigten Stroms auf diese Weise anfallen würde, kann ein Teil des Strombedarfs aus dem angeschlossenen Stromnetz bezogen werden. Wird weniger Strom benötigt, als bei der Bereitstellung der erforderlichen Wärme auf die beschriebene Weise erzeugt wird, kann der überschüssige Strom in das Stromnetz eingespeist werden. Das Gesamtsystem wird also wärmegeführt und nicht wie heute üblich stromgeführt betrieben. Beim stromgeführten Betrieb bleibt häufig ein Teil der bei der Stromerzeugung anfallenden Wärme ungenutzt. Mit anderen Worten kann die Brennstoffzelle netzparallel Betrieb werden. Bei einem Endverbraucher kann so nicht nur von der wenigstens einen Brennstoffzelle erzeugter Strom in das Stromnetz abgegeben werden. Es kann auch Strom zum Betreiben elektrischer Verbraucher beim Endverbraucher aus dem Stromnetz bezogen werden.If less heat is required than would be required in the provision of the required electricity in this way, part of the electricity demand can be obtained from the connected power grid. If less power is required than is generated by providing the required heat in the manner described, the excess power can be fed into the grid. The entire system is thus heat-controlled and not current operated as usual today. In current-driven operation, part of the heat generated during power generation often remains unused. In other words, the fuel cell can be network-parallel operation. In the case of an end user, not only can the electricity generated by the at least one fuel cell be discharged into the power grid. It is also possible to obtain electricity for operating electrical consumers at the end user from the power grid.

Da der Wärmebedarf der Endverbraucher saisonalen Schwankungen unterliegt, kann im Winter ein im Verhältnis zum Wasserstoff höherer Anteil an Erdgas in das Rohrnetz eingespeist werden als im Sommer. Dieser Anteil kann bedarfsweise abhängig von den, insbesondere zu erwartenden, Außentemperaturen gezielt eingestellt werden. In milden Wintern könnte dann der Anteil an Wasserstoff höher sein als an kalten Herbsttagen.As the heat demand of end consumers is subject to seasonal fluctuations, in winter a higher proportion of natural gas in relation to hydrogen can be fed into the pipe network than in summer. This proportion can be adjusted as needed, depending on the, in particular expected, outside temperatures. In mild winters, the proportion of hydrogen could then be higher than on cold autumn days.

Verfahrensmäßig ist es daher zweckmäßig, wenn der Gasbrenner mit wechselnden Mischungsverhältnissen von Erdgas und Wasserstoff betrieben wird. Dadurch führen saisonale Schwankungen in der Zusammensatzung des eingespeisten Gasgemisches zu keinen nennenswerten Problemen.Procedurally, it is therefore expedient if the gas burner with changing mixing ratios of natural gas and Is operated hydrogen. As a result, seasonal fluctuations in the composition of the injected gas mixture do not cause any significant problems.

Um eine unerwünschte Leckage ohne Hilfsmittel feststellen zu können, kann ein schwefelfreies Odorierungsmittel in das Rohrnetz eingespeist werden. Dies führt nicht wie schwefelhaltige Odorierungsmittel zu einer Schädigung der Brennstoffzellen.In order to be able to detect unwanted leakage without auxiliary means, a sulfur-free odorant can be fed into the pipe network. This does not lead, like sulfur-containing odorizing agents, to damage to the fuel cells.

Beim Endverbraucher wird vorzugsweise ein Wärmespeicher betrieben, der über die Abwärme der Brennstoffzelle oder des Gaskessels aufgeladen werden kann. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann dem Wärmespeicher eine elektrische Heizung zugeordnet sein. Der Wärmespeicher ist mit anderen Worten elektrisch beheizbar. Die elektrische Heizung kann durch von der Brennstoffzelle erzeugten Strom oder durch Netzstrom betrieben werden.The end user preferably operates a heat accumulator which can be charged via the waste heat of the fuel cell or of the gas boiler. Alternatively or additionally, the heat accumulator may be associated with an electric heater. The heat storage is electrically heated in other words. The electric heater can be operated by power generated by the fuel cell or by mains power.

Besonders bevorzugt ist es, die Vielzahl von Brennstoffzellen bei den Endverbrauchern gezielt zur Einspeisung wenigstens eines Teils des Spitzenlaststrombedarfs im Stromnetz zu nutzen. Die Vielzahl von Brennstoffzellen kann also als eine Art Spitzenlastkraftwerk betrieben werden. Durch die Vielzahl von Brennstoffzellen wird eine hohe Versorgungssicherheit gewährleistet. Die Brennstoffzellen können in kürzester Zeit große Mengen Strom in das Stromnetz einspeisen. Die Brennstoffzellen können auch dann nutzbringend betrieben werden, wenn keine Spitzenlast hinsichtlich des Strombedarfs abgedeckt werden muss. Die Brennstoffzellen sind ohnehin vorhanden, so dass der Spitzenlaststrom kostengünstig bereitgestellt werden kann.It is particularly preferred to use the plurality of fuel cells in the end consumers specifically for feeding at least a portion of the peak load power demand in the power grid. The plurality of fuel cells can therefore be operated as a kind of peak load power plant. The large number of fuel cells ensures a high level of security of supply. The fuel cells can feed large amounts of electricity into the grid in no time at all. The fuel cells can be operated profitably even when no peak load needs to be covered in terms of power demand. The fuel cells are present anyway, so that the peak load current can be provided inexpensively.

Das Einspeisen von Spitzenlaststrom kann zu einer Stabilisierung beim Betrieb des Stromnetzes beitragen. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann der Betrieb des Stromnetzes aber auch dadurch stabilisiert werden, dass bei einem schnellen und/oder kurzzeitigen Absinken des Strombedarfs bei den Endverbrauchern Strom aus dem Netz entnommen wird. Mit anderen Worten kann zur Umgehung einer Überversorgung des Stromnetzes mit Strom die Leistung der Brennstoffzellen bei den Endverbrauchern gezielt gedrosselt und eine dieser Drosselung entsprechende Menge Strom bei den Endverbrauchern aus dem Stromnetz entnommen werden. Die entsprechende Menge Strom kann dabei der Menge an Strom entsprechen, die durch die Drosselung der Brennstoffzellen von denselben weniger erzeugt wird. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann die entsprechende Menge Strom aber auch der Menge an Strom entsprechen, die für die Erzeugung der Wärmemenge bei den Endverbrauchern erforderlich ist, die infolge der Drosselung der Brennstoffzellen weniger durch die Brennstoffzellen erzeugt wird.The injection of peak load current can contribute to a stabilization in the operation of the power grid. Alternatively or additionally, however, the operation of the power grid can also be stabilized by removing power from the grid in the event of a rapid and / or brief drop in the power requirement at the end consumers. In other words, to bypass an over-supply of the power grid with electricity, the power of the fuel cell targeted at the end consumers throttled and one of this throttling corresponding amount of electricity at the end consumers are removed from the mains. The corresponding amount of current may correspond to the amount of current that is generated by the throttling of the fuel cell of the same less. Alternatively or additionally, however, the corresponding amount of power may also correspond to the amount of power required for the generation of the heat quantity at the end consumers, which is produced less by the fuel cells as a result of the throttling of the fuel cells.

Die entsprechende Menge an Strom kann, insbesondere bei Verwendung einer zentralen Steuerung, sehr schnell und unkompliziert aus dem Stromnetz entnommen werden. Der Aufwand ist jedenfalls deutlich geringer als etwa die Leistung bestimmter in das Stromnetz eingebundener Kraftwerke an den aktuellen Stromverbrauch anzupassen. Es kann beispielsweise eine möglichst gleichmäßige elektrische Leistung bereitgestellt werden. Droht der Strombedarf kurzzeitig abzufallen, können die Brennstoffzellen der Endverbraucher in ihrer Leistung gedrosselt werden. Zur Bereitstellung einer ausreichenden Wärmemenge beim Endverbraucher kann dann Strom aus dem Stromnetz entnommen werden, mit dem bedarfsweise eine elektrische Heizung zur Erwärmung von Brauchwasser und/oder Wasser der Heizungsanlage betrieben werden kann. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann der dem Stromnetz entnommene Strom sinnvoll zum Aufheizen eines Wärmespeichers benutzt werden, selbst wenn der Endverbraucher aktuell keinen Wärmebedarf hat. Ist dies zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt der Fall, kann der Endverbraucher jedenfalls teilweise auf die im Wärmespeicher gespeicherte thermische Energie zurückgreifen.The appropriate amount of power can be removed very quickly and easily from the mains, especially when using a central control. In any case, the effort is much lower than adapting the power of certain power plants integrated into the power grid to the current power consumption. For example, it is possible to provide the most uniform possible electrical power. If the power demand threatens to drop for a short time, the fuel cells of the end consumers can be throttled in their performance. To provide a sufficient amount of heat at the end user can then electricity be removed from the mains, with the need, an electric heater for heating domestic water and / or water of the heating system can be operated. Alternatively or additionally, the electricity taken from the power supply can be usefully used to heat up a heat accumulator, even if the end user currently has no heat requirement. If this is the case at a later point in time, the end user can in some cases resort to the thermal energy stored in the heat accumulator.

Durch gezieltes, vorzugsweise zentral gesteuertes, Einspeisen und Entnehmen von Strom durch die bei den Endverbrauchern vorgesehenen Einrichtungen kann ein kurzfristiger Anstieg und/oder Abfall der benötigten Leistung des Stromnetzes ausgeglichen werden. Dies führt letztlich zu einer Stabilisierung des Stromnetzes.By targeted, preferably centrally controlled, feeding and removing power through the facilities provided at the end user facilities, a short-term increase and / or decrease in the required power of the power grid can be compensated. This ultimately leads to a stabilization of the power grid.

Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann vorgesehen sein, dass am Ort der Einspeisung von Wasserstoff und Erdgas der Heizwert und der Volumenstrom des Wasserstoffs und des Erdgases kontinuierlich gemessen werden und daraus der Mittelwert für einen, beispielsweise beliebigen, Zeitraum errechnet wird. Es kann weiter vorgesehen sein, dass dieser Mittelwert jederzeit von den Endverbrauchern und/oder deren Beauftragten per Fernabfrage abgerufen wird.Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the heating value and the volumetric flow of the hydrogen and of the natural gas are measured continuously at the location of the feed of hydrogen and natural gas, and from this the mean value for one, for example any, period is calculated. It can further be provided that this average value is called up at any time by the end users and / or their representatives by remote inquiry.

Vorrichtungsmäßig sind eine abgegrenztes Rohrnetz zur Verteilung von Wasserstoff und gereinigtem Erdgas an Endverbraucher, Einrichtungen zum Einspreisen von Wasserstoff und Erdgas in das Rohrnetz sowie Mittel zur Entnahme eines Gemischs aus Wasserstoff und Erdgas aus dem Rohrnetz bei den Endverbrauchern vorgesehen. Bei jedenfalls einem Teil der Endverbraucher sind wenigstens eine Brennstoffzelle und wenigstens ein Gasbrenner vorhanden.In terms of equipment, a separate network of pipelines for the distribution of hydrogen and purified natural gas to final consumers, facilities for injecting hydrogen and natural gas into the piping network and means for extracting a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas from the piping network to final consumers are provided. At least part of the End consumers are at least one fuel cell and at least one gas burner available.

Es kann zusätzlich aber auch eine Bypassleitung um die Brennstoffzelle herum vorgesehen sein, über die wenigstens ein Teilstrom des dem Rohrnetz entnommenen Gases direkt zum Gasbrenner geleitet werden kann. Dies ist etwa dann zweckmäßig wenn ansonsten ein zu großer Gasstrom durch die Brennstoffzelle geleitet werden müsste um die gewünschte Wärmemenge bereitzustellen.In addition, however, it is also possible to provide a bypass line around the fuel cell, via which at least a partial flow of the gas taken from the pipe network can be conducted directly to the gas burner. This is useful if otherwise a too large gas flow would have to be passed through the fuel cell to provide the desired amount of heat.

Als Brennstoffzellen können Polymerelektrolytmembran-Brennstoffzellen vorgesehen sein, die wirtschaftlich zu betrieben sind und auch bei geringen Wasserstoffgehalten den Wasserstoff effizient umsetzen können.As fuel cells, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells can be provided which are economical to operate and can efficiently convert the hydrogen even at low hydrogen contents.

Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann ein Speicher zur Zwischenspeicherung des in das Rohrnetz einzuspeisenden Erdgases vorgesehen ist. Es kann unabhängig von der Verwendung eines solchen Erdgasspeichers auch ein Wasserstoffspeicher vorgesehen sein. Beides erhöht einerseits die Betriebssicherheit und andererseits die Wirtschaftlichkeit.Alternatively or additionally, a memory for temporary storage of the natural gas to be fed into the pipe network is provided. It may be provided regardless of the use of such natural gas storage and a hydrogen storage. Both increase on the one hand the reliability and on the other hand the economy.

Damit zeitweise eine erhöhte Wärmeabgabe toleriert werden kann, ohne den Wirkungsgrad bei der Energieerzeugung insgesamt nachhaltig negativ zu beeinflussen kann beim Endverbraucher ein Wärmespeicher vorgesehen sein. Dieser kann Abwärme der Brennstoffzelle und/oder des Gaskessels speichern. Es kann auch über eine elektrische Heizung beheizt werden, wenn dies zum Zwecke einer Erhöhung der Flexibilität des Gesamtsystems wünschenswert ist.So that at times an increased heat output can be tolerated, without affecting the overall efficiency of the energy generation sustainable negative, a heat storage can be provided at the end user. This can store waste heat from the fuel cell and / or the gas boiler. It can also be heated by an electric heater, if this is desirable for the purpose of increasing the flexibility of the overall system.

Besonders zweckmäßig ist es, wenn die Brennstoffzellen zur Einspreisung von Strom an ein Stromnetz angeschlossenen sind. So kann überschüssiger Strom, der bei der Wärmeerzeugung entsteht, von einem Endverbraucher an das Stromnetz abgegeben werden. Ein anderer Endverbraucher kann dann Strom aus dem Stromnetz entnehmen, wenn er mehr Strom benötigt, als bei der Bereitstellung der benötigten Wärmemenge anfällt.It is particularly expedient if the fuel cells are connected to the power supply for the purpose of charging in electricity. For example, surplus electricity generated during heat generation can be supplied to the power grid by an end user. Another end user can then draw power from the power grid when he needs more power than is available in the provision of the required amount of heat.

Weiter vorzugsweise ist eine beispielsweise zentrale Vorrichtung zur Steuerung der Vielzahl der Brennstoffzellen bei den Endverbrauchern vorgesehen. Diese Steuerung sorgt dann etwa dafür, dass ohne Eingriff der einzelnen Endverbraucher einer bestimmten Strommenge über eine bestimmte Zeitdauer in das Stromnetz eingespeist wird. Auf diese Weise kann einfach und kostengünstig Spitzenlaststrom im Stromnetz zu Verfügung gestellt werden.Further preferably, for example, a central device for controlling the plurality of fuel cells is provided at the end consumers. This control then ensures, for example, that without intervention of the individual end consumers of a certain amount of electricity over a certain period of time is fed into the power grid. In this way, peak load current in the power grid can be provided easily and inexpensively.

Anstelle von fossilem Erdgas oder zusätzlich zu diesem kann auch synthetisches Erdgas in das Rohrnetz eingespeist werden. Das synthetische Erdgas ähnelt dem fossilen Erdgas in seiner Zusammensetzung. Es wird aber nicht aus Lagerstätten im Boden gewonnen, sondern aus nicht fossilen Rohstoffen gewonnen. Als Rohstoffquelle für synthetisches Erdgas kommt beispielsweise aus organischen Abfällen gewonnenes, gereinigtes Biogas in Frage.Instead of fossil natural gas or in addition to this, synthetic natural gas can also be fed into the pipeline network. Synthetic natural gas resembles fossil natural gas in its composition. However, it is not extracted from deposits in the soil but extracted from non-fossil resources. As a source of raw material for synthetic natural gas, for example, derived from organic waste, purified biogas in question.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand einer lediglich Ausführungsbeispiele darstellenden Zeichnung näher erläutert. In der der Zeichnung zeigt

Fig. 1
ein Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung und
Fig. 2
ein Detail der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a purely exemplary embodiments illustrative drawing. In the drawing shows
Fig. 1
an embodiment of the device according to the invention and
Fig. 2
a detail of the device according to Fig. 1 ,

In der Fig. 1 ist ein begrenztes Versorgungsgebiet dargestellt, das mit reinem Wasserstoff 1 und Erdgas 2 versorgt wird. Der Wasserstoff 1 und das Erdgas werden beim dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel über separate Leitungen in ein Rohrnetz eingespeist, von dem eine Vielzahl von Endverbrauchern 8a bis 8j Gas entnehmen. Die Endverbraucher betreiben mit dem Gas jeweils eine Brennstoffzelle.In the Fig. 1 a limited supply area is shown, which is supplied with pure hydrogen 1 and natural gas 2. The hydrogen 1 and the natural gas are fed in the illustrated embodiment via separate lines in a pipe network, from which a plurality of end consumers 8a to 8j remove gas. End users operate a fuel cell with the gas.

Damit die Brennstoffzellen der Endverbraucher, bei denen es sich um alle Arten von Brennstoffzellen handeln kann, problemlos mit dem aus dem Rohrnetz entnommenen Gas betrieben werden können, ist eine Gasreinigung 3 zur Reinigung der Erdgases vorgesehen werden. Die Gasreinigung sollte auf die hohen Anforderungen an das Brenngas der Niedertemperatur-Brennstoffzellen mit Polymerelektrolytmembran ausgelegt werden. In diesem Fall sollten im Wesentlichen alle Schwefelverbindungen entfernt werden. Dies kann durch die Verwendung von Metalloxiden geschehen. Der Anteil des Kohlenmonoxids (CO) des Gasgemischs im Rohrnetz sollte unter 5 ppm liegen. Dies kann über eine selektive Oxidation erreicht werden, bei der auch der Sauerstoff aus dem Erdgas entfernt werden kann.So that the fuel cells of the end users, which may be all types of fuel cells, can be operated without difficulty with the gas taken from the pipe network, a gas cleaning 3 for the purification of natural gas can be provided. The gas purification should be designed for the high demands on the fuel gas of the low-temperature fuel cells with polymer electrolyte membrane. In this case, essentially all sulfur compounds should be removed. This can be done by the use of metal oxides. The proportion of carbon monoxide (CO) of the gas mixture in the pipe network should be less than 5 ppm. This can be achieved by selective oxidation, which also removes oxygen from natural gas.

Die Volumenströme von Wasserstoff 1 und Erdgas 2 werden mit den Messgeräten 4 und 5 erfasst. Eine Recheneinheit 6 erfasst diese Daten und bildet daraus kontinuierlich Mittelwerte, die für einen beliebigen Zeitraum abrufbar sind. Die Daten können beispielsweise über eine Antenne 7 zu jedem Endverbraucher übertragen werden. Die Endverbraucher 8a bis 8j beziehen entweder im Wesentlichen reinen Wasserstoff, gereinigtes Erdgas oder ein Gemisch aus beiden. Bei Ausfall der Wasserstofffabrik werden die Endverbraucher mit gereinigtem Erdgas und Strom aus dem allgemeinen Stromnetz versorgt. Auch eine Komplettversorgung allein mit Strom ist möglich.The volume flows of hydrogen 1 and natural gas 2 are detected by the measuring devices 4 and 5. An arithmetic unit 6 acquires this data and continuously forms mean values that can be retrieved for any desired period. The data can be transmitted for example via an antenna 7 to each end user. The end users 8a to 8j receive either substantially pure hydrogen, purified natural gas, or a mixture of both. In case of failure of the hydrogen factory, the end user will be supplied with purified natural gas and electricity from the general power grid. Even a complete supply with electricity alone is possible.

In der Fig. 2 ist eine bei den Endverbrauchern 8a bis 8j vorgesehene Hausinstallation dargestellt. Wasserstoff 1 und gereinigtes Erdgas 2 passiert das mechanische Hauptventil 9 und das von einem Wasserstoffdetektor gesteuerte Ventil 10. Der Volumenstrom des Gases wird von einem Zähler 11 gemessen. Die bezogene Energie wird per Fernabfrage an der Recheneinheit 6 für einen beliebigen Zeitraum festgestellt.In the Fig. 2 a house installation provided at the end consumers 8a to 8j is shown. Hydrogen 1 and purified natural gas 2 passes through the main mechanical valve 9 and the valve 10 controlled by a hydrogen detector. The volume flow of the gas is measured by a counter 11. The related energy is determined by remote request to the computing unit 6 for any period.

Das Gas gelangt zunächst in eine Brennstoffzelle 12, die den Wasserstoffanteil des Gases weitgehend in Strom und Wärme umwandelt. Der Strom kann selbst genutzt werden oder in das allgemeine Stromnetz eingespeist werden. Solange ein hoher Strombedarf besteht, wird möglichst viel Strom in das allgemeine Stromnetz eingespeist.The gas first passes into a fuel cell 12, which largely converts the hydrogen content of the gas into electricity and heat. The electricity can be used by itself or fed into the general electricity grid. As long as there is a high demand for electricity, as much power as possible is fed into the general electricity grid.

Die Wärme aus der Brennstoffzelle 12 wird mittels einem Wärmetauscher 19 an einen Teilstrom 16 des Heizungsrücklaufes 14 übertragen. Der erwärmte Teilstrom 16a bildet zusammen mit dem Teilstrom 22 den Vorlauf 25 der Heizungsanlage. Ein anderer Teilstrom 15 des Rücklaufs 14 gelangt in den Heizkessel 28. Das nicht umgesetzte Gas 20 aus der Brennstoffzelle 12 wird auf einen Universalbrenner 21 geleitet, der dem Heizkessel zugeordnet ist und des Wasser des Heizkessels erwärmt. Der Universalbrenner ist auf beliebige Mischungsverhältnisse von Wasserstoff und Erdgas ausgelegt.The heat from the fuel cell 12 is transmitted by means of a heat exchanger 19 to a partial flow 16 of the heating return 14. The heated partial flow 16a together with the partial flow 22, the flow 25 of the heating system. Another partial flow 15 of the return 14 enters the boiler 28. The unreacted gas 20 from the fuel cell 12 is directed to a universal burner 21, which is associated with the boiler and the water heated by the boiler. The universal burner is designed for any mixing ratios of hydrogen and natural gas.

Nicht im Einzelnen dargestellt ist, dass ein Bypassleitung um die Brennstoffzelle geführt sein kann, damit bedarfsweise wenigstens einen Teil des dem Rohrnetz entnommenen Gases unter Umgehung der Brennstoffzelle direkt dem Gasbrenner zugeführten werden kann. Dadurch kann der Gesamtwirkungsgrad gesteigert werden, wenn der einzelne Endverbraucher viel Wärme benötigt und die Gesamtheit der Endverbraucher gleichzeitig einen geringen Strombedarf haben, der bereits anderweitig gedeckt wird.It is not shown in detail that a bypass line can be guided around the fuel cell, so that, if necessary, at least part of the gas taken from the pipe network can be fed directly to the gas burner while bypassing the fuel cell. As a result, the overall efficiency can be increased if the individual end user requires a lot of heat and the whole of the end users at the same time have a low power requirement, which is already covered elsewhere.

Das erwärmte Wasser 22 aus dem Heizkessel 28, wird über den Wärmespeicher 24 als Vorlauf 25 für die im Haus installierten Heizkörper genutzt. Der Bedarf an warmem Brauchwasser wird über eine Leitung 26 befriedigt, die durch den Wärmespeicher geführt ist und so eine Erwärmung des Brauchwassers ermöglicht. Die Stellung der Ventile 17 und 18 ist abhängig von der Leistung der Brennstoffzelle 12 und der Leistung des Heizkessels 28. Die elektrische Heizung 27 im Wärmespeicher 24 kann von der Brennstoffzelle 12 oder dem allgemeinen Stromnetz gespeist werden.The heated water 22 from the boiler 28 is used through the heat storage 24 as a flow 25 for installed in the house radiator. The need for hot domestic water is satisfied via a line 26, which is guided through the heat accumulator and thus allows heating of the process water. The position of the valves 17 and 18 is dependent on the power of the fuel cell 12 and the power of the boiler 28. The electric heater 27 in the heat storage 24 can be powered by the fuel cell 12 or the general power grid.

Das beschriebene Verfahren eignet sich für den Übergang zu einer solaren Wasserstoffwirtschaft, die prinzipiell keine Verluste kennt. Durch den Stromüberschuss, der mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren erzeugt werden kann, kann der Neubau von thermischen Kraftwerken vermieden werden. Die beschriebene dezentrale Stromerzeugung von den Endverbrauchern kann auch zur Stabilisierung des Stromnetzes genutzt werden, indem das Verhältnis von Strom- und Wärmerzeugung mit hoher Dynamik, d.h. sehr schnell, geändert werden kann. Durch die Nutzung von Wasserstoff und Erdgas in einem abgegrenzten Versorgungsgebiet und der Netzparallelität zum allgemeinen Stromnetz, entsteht ein Versorgungssystem mit hoher Redundanz, auch beim Betrieb von nur einer Wasserstofffabrik im Versorgungsgebiet.The method described is suitable for the transition to a solar hydrogen economy, which in principle knows no losses. Due to the power surplus that can be generated by the method according to the invention, the construction of new thermal power plants can be avoided. The decentralized power generation described by the end users can also stabilize the power grid be used by the ratio of power and heat generation with high dynamics, ie very quickly, can be changed. By using hydrogen and natural gas in a delimited supply area and network parallelism to the general power grid, a supply system with high redundancy is created, even when only one hydrogen factory operates in the supply area.

Wasserstoff kann aus allen Energien hergestellt werden. Am kostengünstigsten ist die Herstellung von Wasserstoff aus Biomasse mittels Steam-Reforming. Allein das Potenzial der Biomasse würde ausreichen, alle atomaren und fossilen Energien in den meisten Ländern zu ersetzen. Es wird also einen Weg zum Einstieg in eine Wasserstoffwirtschaft aufgezeigt, bei dem der Wasserstoff zum Endverbraucher geliefert und per Definition verlustfrei umgewandelt werden kann.Hydrogen can be produced from all energies. Most cost-effective is the production of hydrogen from biomass by means of steam reforming. The potential of biomass alone would be enough to replace all atomic and fossil fuels in most countries. So there is a way to get started in a hydrogen economy, in which the hydrogen can be delivered to the end user and converted by loss without loss.

Claims (15)

  1. Method for utilising hydrogen supplied via a demarcated pipe network, by means of fuel cells provided at end users,
    - in which purified natural gas and hydrogen are fed into the pipe network and are transported to the end users,
    - in which a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas is removed from the pipe network at the end users,
    - in which with omission of a reforming stage the hydrogen fraction of the mixture at the end users is at least partly utilised by in each case at least one fuel cell in order to generate current, and
    - in which the mixture or hydrogen and natural gas after leaving the fuel cells at the end users is utilised by in case each at least one gas burner in order to generate heat.
  2. Method according to claim 1, in which in winter a higher proportion of natural gas in relation to hydrogen is fed into the pipe network than in the summer.
  3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, in which the ratio of hydrogen to natural gas of the gas mixture fed into the pipe network is adjusted depending on the particularly to be expected external temperatures.
  4. Method according to claims 1 to 3, in which the gas burner is operated with varying mixture ratios of natural gas and hydrogen.
  5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which a sulphur-free odourisation agent is fed into the pipe network.
  6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which at the end user a heat reservoir is electrically charged via the fuel cell and/or via the gas burner.
  7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the fuel cells at the end users are operated specifically in order to supply at least part of the peak load current requirement in the power network.
  8. Method according to claims 1 to 7, in which in order to avoid an overloading of the power network with current, the output of the fuel cells at the end users is selectively throttled, and in which a corresponding amount of current is withdrawn from the power network at the end users.
  9. Device for utilising hydrogen (1) supplied via a demarcated pipe network, by means of fuel cells (12) provided at end users (8), in particular in accordance with a method according to one of claims 1 to 8,
    - with a demarcated pipe network for distributing hydrogen (1) and purified natural gas (2) to end users (8),
    - with devices for injecting hydrogen (1) and natural gas (2) into the pipe network and
    - with means for removing a mixture of hydrogen (1) and natural gas (2) from the pipe network at the end users (8),
    - wherein at the end users (8) in each case a fuel cell (12) and a gas burner (21) are provided, and
    - wherein the fuel cell (12) is switched between the gas burner (21) and the pipe network in such a way that a mixture of hydrogen (1) and natural gas (2) removed from the pipe network is utilised, with omission of a reformer, after leaving the fuel cell (12) by the gas burner (21) in order to generate heat.
  10. Device according to claim 9, characterised in that as fuel cells (12) those with polymer electrolyte membranes are provided.
  11. Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that a reservoir is provided for the intermediate storage of the natural gas (2) fed into the pipe network.
  12. Device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that at the end user (8) a heat reservoir (24) is provided, which can be electrically heated via the fuel cell (12) and/or via the gas burner (21).
  13. Device according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the fuel cells (12) are connected to a power network in order to feed in current.
  14. Device according to claim 13, characterised in that a device for controlling the fuel cells (12) at the end users (8) is provided in order to feed a specific amount of current into the power network.
  15. Device according to claim 14, characterised in that the device is designed so as to cover peaks in current demand by feeding in per time interval corresponding amounts of current supplied by the fuel cells of the end users.
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DE102010020280A1 (en) * 2010-05-12 2011-11-17 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Hydrogen infrastructure
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FR3037119B1 (en) 2015-06-08 2017-12-15 Grdf DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INJECTING DIHYDROGEN IN A NATURAL GAS FLOW FROM A FIRST GAS DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

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